The Attorney General of Guatemala, Consuelo Porras, assured this Monday that the road blockades in the context of protests are “illegal actions” that violate the rights of the Guatemalan population and that they will be investigated by the Prosecutor’s Office.
“Within the framework of the law, I recognize the right to demonstrate, but this time a group of Guatemalans is taking advantage of this constitutional benefit,” he emphasized, adding that “he is obliged to investigate all the reported truth.”
In this sense, he emphasized that the Prosecutor’s Office will not make differences or discrimination in relation to the investigation and prosecution of these crimes, “regardless of the national instances.” Porras also recalled that the Constitutional Court issued two protections so that officials can act immediately.
“Unfortunately, until now, no compliance with these resolutions has been seen, so the Public Ministry has already taken legal action, due to non-compliance with the order of the high constitutional court,” he added.
Porras recalled that the security of citizens and respect for rights cannot be used “discretionarily.” “It is urgent that the competent authorities accept their responsibility,” he said, calling on the authorities to guarantee the rule of law.
“Peaceful demonstrations are a right, blockades are a crime. You as the authorities have the obligation and the capacity to solve this problem,” he said, thus urging that actions be taken to achieve the “harmony, peace and reconciliation.”
For his part, the current president-elect, Bernardo Arévalo, of the Semilla Movement, asked in an interview with Emisoras Unidas for the resignation of Porras, who is “directly responsible for the political crisis” due to the use of the Public Ministry ” to try to change the order of the constitution”.
“Now he takes the opportunity to blame the population that defends democracy, but the rejection of him and his actions is complete, deep and complete,” said Arévalo, urging the Guatemalan population “not to fall for the provocations and continuation of peaceful demonstrations.” “.
“The Ministry of the Public encourages violence to prevent demonstrations and create an atmosphere of tension, which can be used as an excuse to declare a state of siege in the Ministry of the Interior,” he said, saying as reported by the social network X.
The demonstrations were mainly carried out by the indigenous, civil and student sectors, who demanded the resignation of Porras, as well as the head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Impunity (Feci), Rafael Curruchiche, and Judge Fredy Orellana.
The protests erupted after the Public Ministry made new searches at the headquarters of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) where they seized the minutes of the presidential elections, which Arévalo won.
